Detroit Lions rookie tight end Sam LaPorta set an NFL record when he reeled in a touchdown reception in the first quarter of Sunday’s game against the visiting Minnesota Vikings before he left with a knee injury.
LaPorta’s 2-yard catch served as his 82nd reception of the season, eclipsing a tie with Keith Jackson (81 in 1988) for the most grabs by a rookie tight end.
His 10th touchdown catch of the season moved him into a tie with Rob Gronkowski (10 in 2010) for second place among rookie tight ends, leaving him behind only Hall of Fame member Mike Ditka (12 in 1961).
LaPorta caught five passes for 29 yards in the game, and had 86 receptions for 889 yards on the season, before he limped off the field with 1:50 left in the second quarter. After a visit to the blue injury tent, LaPorta was carted to the locker room. The Lions said he has a knee injury and was ruled out for the rest of the contest.
He is the second rookie tight end in Lions history selected for the Pro Bowl, joining Charlie Sanders (1968). LaPorta, who turns 23 on Friday, was selected by the Lions in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft out of Iowa.
–Field Level Media
